Those who were looking for an emphatic sign of reconciliation between Advani and Modi at their first joint appearance in public since the Gujarat CM's projection as PM candidate were left confused because of what many considered Advani's contrasting responses to the greetings of his protege who went on to outshine his mentor.

Advani at first appeared to be indifferent, and, to many, even seeking to avoid eye contact with Modi when the new saffron star sought to reach out to him by touching his feet and by offering a bouquet.

There was, however, a visible change in Advani's body language towards Modi after the PM-in-waiting had finished his speech.

After a short interaction between the two leaders, the awkwardness that was evident in the first instance was gone.

Advani put his hands on Modi's shoulder: even appearing to draw close to him.

The two leaders stood next to each other when all the leaders lined up to raise hands in a show of unity.

Indias opposition Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) leaders Gujarat state Chief Minister Narendra Modi, third from left, party president Rajnath Singh, center, senior leader Lal Krishna Advani, fourth from right, and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan, third from right, wave to supporters as they are presented with a huge floral garland at a rally in Bhopal, India, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2013.

It was Modi all the way as lakhs of workers, who had come from all over the state for the show of strength in the build up to the looming assembly elections, cheered loudly for their PM candidate.

The NaMo chant drowned out the speeches of other leaders including not just Advani but even the local hero, MP chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

The lusty applause that punctuated Modi's speech also marked an endorsement of those in the party and RSS who staunchly supported and clinched his projection as PM candidate on the ground that he was the most popular among the ranks and his anointment would galvanize the party base across the country.